If you look at a map of the Kintyre Peninsula you will see that it is almost
an island. It appears to be hanging from
the mainland by a thread. Tarbert lies
at the eastern end of this "thread" or isthmus, which is just one
mile across, while West Tarbert is at the
other end of it. Once upon a time boats
were dragged overland between the two. Tarbert
used to be an important herring port, serving the herring industry of nearby Loch
Fyne. This activity has since
disappeared, but the harbour is still used by fishing boats for unloading their
catches. The other maritime activity of
note is sailing, and Tarbert hosts Scotland's biggest regatta each
May. From
the harbour a footpath leads to the ruins of the 12th century Tarbert Castle,
romantically covered in ivy. The castle,
which was built by Robert I of Scotland,
is a reminder of the time when Tarbert occupied a strategic position defending
the approaches to Kintyre and the Inner Hebrides. Tarbert is something of a festival town, as
in addition to the regatta there are also a number of festivals held each year,
including a Seafood Festival, a Music Festival and a Book Festival.
Map of the area.
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| Tarbert Waterfront - geograph.org.uk - 1748589. Photo by Andrew Wood, via Wikimedia Commons |
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